Kashmiri Pandits have been the subject of agony and atrocities in Valley since 1990. Now, with the scenario taking a different shape after the abrogation of Article 370 and Modi government’s persistent efforts of fighting terrorism, Kashmiri Pandits have decided to resettle in Valley again with the demand of “one place-settlement”.
Crux of the Matter
The story of Kashmiri Pandits has been a matter of great discussion in Indian politics, as they have been subject to cruelty committed by Pakistan sponsored militants in the Valley. Core concern of KPs is the safety and security of their lives and the arrangement of livelihood.
19 January is commemorated as ‘holocaust day’ by 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits scattered across and outside India as they were forced to leave their ancient hometowns in 1990 on that day due to the fear of militants.
After the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K and better restoration of law and order in the Valley, Kashmiri Pandits have shown their willingness to resettle and ” live and die” at their ancient native place.
Kashmiri Pandits are still apprehensive about their full safety and as a result, have demanded “one place settlement“. It means allotment of a whole region to one particular community in a state or a country, where they can live and prosper peacefully.
According to All-State Kashmiri Pandit Conference(ASKPC) “one place settlement” is the only alternative for the rehabilitation of the suppressed community in the Valley.
Stressing on the security aspect, Dr T K Bhat Secretary of ASKPC said, “You can guard our houses, colonies…but it is not possible to provide security to each and every Kashmiri Pandit when they go out in the market. Security is the most important aspect connected to the return of the community.”
Prominent figures like Prof. B L Zutshi (Social Activist) and Bihari Kak (Artist and Member of Athwas Culture Association) have also supported this demand.
UPA-1 government tried to rehabilitate KPs by providing 7.5 lakh to KP families who were willing to resettle at their native home in the valley. Only one family was able to rehabilitate by this scheme of government, given the flaws in the implementation.
Curiopedia
Exodus of Kashmiri Hindus – According to the Indian government, more than 62,000 families are registered as Kashmiri refugees including some Sikh and Muslim families. Most families were resettled in Jammu, National Capital Region surrounding Delhi and other neighboring states. The Hindus of the Kashmir Valley were forced to flee the Kashmir valley as a result of being targeted by JKLF and Islamist insurgents during late 1989 and early 1990. Of the approximately 300,000 to 600,000 Hindus living in the Kashmir Valley in 1990, only 2,000–3,000 remain there in 2016. More Info
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